For many older adults, maintaining a sense of independence is crucial for their mental wellbeing. This can lead to them choosing to live alone even when their spouse has passed or when their children have moved out. It is important to respect their choices and to support them in pursuing a life that makes them happy, but it can be just as important to ensure that they are aware of safety tips that can protect them from challenges, scams, or emergencies. Here are some home safety tips for seniors that you should know about to keep yourself safe.
Home Safety Tips
Even though our house is supposed to be a safe haven, there are also many hazards that lie around the home. It is important that you conduct periodic checks to ensure that the appliances in the house and furniture are all functional. For example, railings, furniture, and anything else should be sturdy and secure in the event that they are needed for support.
Another common area of the home where accidents can happen is the bathroom. Make sure that you have non-slip mats to reduce the chances of falls and grab rails If needed.
Personal Safety Tips
It is important that older adults take their personal safety seriously. Unfortunately, many people view seniors as a vulnerable group that is susceptible to crimes. As far as possible, try to keep to a buddy system whenever you choose to go out so that you will have the support you need should anything happen. On top of this, try not to carry large amounts of cash or have your purse or wallets in a position that is easily snatched. Other things that are important to keep in mind is to not share with others that you live alone and to never give any financial or personal information over the phone.
Walking Safety Tips
You don’t have to be able to do a grand battement — a ballerina’s term for kicking your leg up to your head — to improve in flexibility through dance. By gently moving your body in different ways, you can have more flexible joints and muscles which will help improve your physical mobility as you age.
Emergency Contacts and Alert Systems
It is crucial that emergency contacts are easily accessible in the home in case you require assistance. The main numbers that you need to list are the local emergency phone number, a reliable loved one, poison control, and the contact of your regular healthcare provider.
Consider an Independent Living Placement at TerraBella Windsor Lake
At TerraBella Windsor Lake, we believe that every individual should have the right to live an independent life with dignity. However, we also firmly believe that sometimes, people just need a bit of help. This is why we offer an independent living option where older adults have access to their own private apartment but also will have a team that offers convenient housekeeping, maintenance and concierge services in a secure environment.
By choosing to live in our senior living community, you are choosing to focus on yourself and to do away with the burdens of everyday chores like household maintenance, grocery shopping, or cleaning.
To find out more about our independent living community and programs, contact us today and our senior living coordinators will get back to you shortly.
